€729,000 Menqa project inaugurated in Marsalforn, Gozo

The Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo, Parliamentary Secretary for the EU 2017 Presidency and European Funds Ian Borg and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries Roderick Galdes, have inaugurated the completed Menqa project in Marsalforn.

Infrastructure work was carried out in order to improve facilities for fishermen in the area to enable them to operate more efficiently and effectively.The works comprised of rebuilding the Menqa wall to provide more protection for boats; reconstruction of a slipway; conservation of existing buildings converted into two offices equipped with computers and internet connection suitable for this sector; refurbishing the pier as well as the supply and installation of services in this area; and replacement of the existing winch to a modern one that is safer and more efficient..

The Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo said that the completion of this project will help the Marsalforn fishing community. The project is not only useful, but is crucial for the survival and development of the artisanal fishing community in Marsalforn.

"The Ministry is committed to continue to give every possible assistance to those fishermen that are still practising one of the oldest operations in Gozo," said Dr Refalo. He went on to thank Parliamentary Secretaries Ian Borg and Roderick Galdes for their continued work towards Gozo and Gozitans.

Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg explained that this project cost a total of €728,861.38 approximately €550,000 resulting from the Operational Programme F.E.S. [European Fisheries Fund] 2007-2013.

Dr. Borg said the biggest expense was the reintegration of the "Menqa, Sea wall" which cost €451,743.22 or 62% of the total funds.

This "Sea wall" is equipped with navigation lights to offer better protection for fishermen. Borg said that the main objective of this project in Menqa, conducted under Priority 3; is useful, necessary and effective for the island.

He also said that all components mentioned have been made to facilitate the process for better organisation, which effectively speeds up the local fishermen's operations and improves their working conditions.

Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes thanked the Ministry for Gozo for the completion of this project and said that this initiative is part of a holistic plan of the Government to improve the infrastructure for Maltese and Gozitan fishermen.

This holistic plan includes new projects and several piers, Fish Market, and other infrastructure projects within Malta and Gozo, the Parliamentary Secretary said.